Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea of the palimpsest is a fundamental framework for analyzing the individual urban landscape for each city. The Battle of Bunker Hill Monument reflects Boston as a palimpsest through the monument’s Revolutionary War history, residential development, and transition into a public realm. In Moscow, the Russian Orthodox churches represent how the country’s changing political systems influence the various architectural layers of the city. Lastly, in Istanbul, the prominence and eventual deterioration of the Suleymaniye Mosque contribute to Istanbul’s palimpsest through mirroring the empire’s glorious ascension and mournful decline. Collectively, these layers contribute to our understanding of the city as a palimpsest and more broadly characterize the distinct, and often complex, identity of the city.